By definition, attitude is an internal feeling or opinion; action is an external expression of that internal attitude.
The Apostle, Paul, gives us some strong instructions in his letters to the churches on how to evaluate our attitudes and actions. Below are some of them from Ephesians and Philippians.
Instructions for Christian Living
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21
Imitating Christ’s Humility
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11
Everything Without Grumbling
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:12-16
Now comes the hard part for me: Asking questions. What is my attitude and what are my actions toward:
My family? My neighbors? My community at church? Strangers? Drivers on the road?
Am I willing to be honest with God and myself in my response? Am I willing to let God work in me to change my attitude and actions?
How about you? In light of the scriptures above, are there questions you need to ask yourself? Are you willing for God to change your attitude and actions? I’m praying for us all in Christ!
by Carolyn Schmitt
